Beside You || lrh 2013 MAJOR EDITING

Don't Ever Leave (Chapter 17)

•Stella's POV•

I faced away.

His lips were barely not touching mine anymore until I faced to the other direction.

"Are you ready to go?" I asked Luke, still looking the other way.

He lifted his head from my shoulder and stood up. "Lets go," he said, reaching a hand for me.

Okay. I'm stupid, I know. Backing away from Luke just like that. But I'm not ready yet-I think.

I smiled and took his hand. He picked up my shoes for me and we walked downstairs to find Cal and Trisha making out on the couch.

"Come on," Luke said, bopping Calum's head and they sprang apart. I was just chuckling because of their facial reactions.

"I think it's time to go home," I laughed.

"Oh yeah, sure," said Trisha, as she scratched her head.

We went out on the backyard to find Ashton and Jess already sleeping and Audrey, Risa, Mikey and Julie were playing games. I guess these people aren't tired yet.

The stereo was turned off and it was all silent, well except for the four losers playing games.

The cold air was inviting. It was actually making me feel sleepy too.

I felt Luke laugh a bit until I turned to him. "What?" I said.

"Nothing," he said. "You're already sleepy that's why."

"The air is inviting! Come on, you were even already sleeping up in the terrace," I countered.

"Well that was because I had something to lean on!" he said, smiling.

I scoffed and tried to pull him to the grass but before I could, be pulled me back to him.

"You're not wearing shoes," he said, placing down my shoes. I actually forgot he was bringing it around with him. (Godamn so cute, Luke ahhhhh)

I placed them on again then pulled him out on the grass. I sat first and stretched my legs and Luke lay his head on my lap.

I frowned.

"What's the matter now?" he asked. "You're being bipolar again, Stella."

"No it's just... In a matter of minutes, we're gonna have to go home and the next day, you're-"

"Shh..." he cut me off.

•Luke's POV•

There she goes again. She's reminding herself of what's gonna happen by tomorrow. And I don't want her to think about it.

I gotta admit though, I was hurt when she backed away from the kiss I was supposed to share with her. I felt embarrassed.

I shouldn't be thinking about it, though. Because tonight's the last night. After this, I won't be here in Sydney anymore.

I'd be in Perth, then I'll be in London for some shows. Who knows what's waiting for us there? I can't give motives that we're still together or else management will kill me and the fans will kill Stella. All they have to know is that she's my ex girlfriend. The best thing that's ever happened to me... Well, besides the band.

"Guys?" I heard Calum say by the door in the house.

I turned my head facing him and sat up. Stella faced the same direction too.

"This is it, I guess," he said and bit his lip.

I looked over to Ashton and Jess who were both already awake and Mikey and the others paying attention to Calum.